Toyota Tundra has major design changes for 2014

Tundra’s all-new front features a chiseled, modern image with an integrated hood and grille.

The Toyota Tundra half-ton full-size pickup truck remains a strong, reliable workhorse. The Tundra’s exterior reflects its power with strong chiseled features and a tall frame. Under the hood, the Tundra lives up to its looks, boasting a 4-liter V-6 engine and 270 hp.

The Tundra has been redesigned for 2014 both inside and out and if you like trucks, you just may have found pickup of your dreams. It’s the first major change for the Tundra since the 2007 model year and Toyota designers listened to consumers who asked for a more chiseled exterior and refined interior, with improved driver ergonomics and easy-to-use technology.

The 2014 Tundra is available in five trim levels — SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and the new 1794 Edition, a tribute to the historic ranch where the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Tundra is also offered in three cab styles — two-door Regular Cab, fourdoor Double Cab and four door CrewMax, all available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.

Tundra’s all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to punctuate the pickup’s power and wide stance. The grille is taller and bolder, visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. The front lower bumpers are a three-piece design, allowing for lower replacement costs, while the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance.

A new bed design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the taillights match the appearance of the body. The rear bumper changes from one piece to three, once again for lower replacement costs.

Tundra’s lockable easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam and can easily be removed. Limited Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding rear window. A power vertical sliding rear window is standard on all CrewMax models.

On the inside, the interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with a new instrument panel, with individual gauges grouped in an easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi information (LCD) display screen.

Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls; large knobs so they can be operated with work gloves on; improved passenger comfort with a new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. Front seats have additional travel and CrewMax rear seats can be folded for additional cargo capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle. And the load the height has been lowered by more than 11 inches.

The MSRP on the 2014 Toyota Tundra ranges from $25,920 to $47,320.

Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.